Spurs' dominance over OKC created a dangerous new rivalry dynamic

After a tight, seven-game 2026 Western Conference Finals series, it's clear that the Spurs and the Thunder have the hottest rivalry in the NBA. That matchup will be something to watch next season, as OKC will be hungrier than ever to prove themselves against San Antonio.

"I feel like they got the best of us, you know? They beat us. If we're just keeping it 100, like, they beat us," Cason Wallace states on the Cousins With Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter podcast. "They beat us in the season. They beat us in the playoffs. So it's like, we got to fight back."

It's true. The Spurs owned their matchups against the Thunder during the 2026-27 campaign, beating them 4-1 in their regular-season series and knocking them out in the West Finals. This means one thing: San Antonio should be prepared for an OKC squad that'll be playing with an even bigger chip on their shoulder.

This is a part of the process for the Spurs

Within a year, the Spurs went from being a wild card in the Western Conference to becoming one of the best teams in the NBA. This group dominated on both ends of the floor last season behind an MVP-caliber performance from Victor Wembanyama.

But there are some conditions attached to this level of success. Whenever a team becomes this good, the target on their back gets bigger. The Spurs are no longer the bright-eyed young group that's surprising the basketball world by exceeding expectations. Now, they're the ultimate squad to beat.

San Antonio must continue to do what's necessary to stay ahead of their competitors. They already did a great job with their roster this summer, adding players who will address some of their biggest issues. Now, it's on them to have the right mindset next season, staying as hungry as the teams that want to take their spot.

There are new layers to this matchup next season

Not only will the Thunder have a chip on their shoulder next season, but they also have a healthier roster. Jalen Williams is expected to be fully available after playing in just three games of the Western Conference Finals. This is huge for OKC, as he's their second-best player and one of the NBA's best two-way perimeter forces.

They also have a deeper frontcourt after drafting Aday Mara out of Michigan. Mara didn't have a great Summer League showing, but he could still emerge as a solid contributor in his rookie season for the Thunder.

The Spurs can't rest on their laurels when it comes to OKC. Sure, it was great that they had the upper hand on them in the 2025-26 campaign, but the Thunder will do everything in their power to flip the script next season.

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